We all know that reading is the key for success in all subject areas. In my classroom I supplement our regular reading program in several interesting ways.

• We actively use our SRA Lab. The components most often used are the power builders, rate builders , and listening skill builders. The students become quite good at monitoring their own progress. It is still surprising at how much they accomplish and "push" each other. A variety of reading comprehension, vocabulary, language , and grammar skills are reinforced here.

• More specific reading in context and critical comprehension skills are reinforced in a combination Cloze procedure / SRA Reading For Understanding lesson. This lesson is always done with a partner. We really have a lot of fun with these lessons.

INDEPENDENT READING

• This is a hugely important area. Students must find time to practice their skills and involve themselves with reading/language on a regular basis. Hopefully, they have already developed a love for books and this isn't even an issue. Because it is so important, I include this area as a comment choice on the student's regular report card. My observation of their independent reading is based on the calendar that is sent home each month of the school year. For months October through March, the Pizza Hut sponsored Book It calendar is the guide. On each calendar the student's goal is listed. A sample goal would be to read 15 minutes each evening for 20 days. At the end of the month the calendar is returned to school and the student is given credit. The other 3 months I provide a calendar and the same procedure is followed.

• Finally, a detailed book report is required from each student every marking period. I provide a book report rubric for the students to follow. All books for reports are cleared first with me in class.

While my son was going through elementary school he learned to do reports following a rubric very similar to the one I use now. We would often read books together and then discuss them... guided by book chat questions. This was a valuable reading experience for him and a nice activity for us to enjoy...with a book!!

Substituting for book reports... I strongly encourage my students to participate in Go for the Gold. This is the reading incentive program run through our library that became available to your student as a third grader.